Clinical Dietitian

Clinical Dietitian

At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Dietitian position is responsible for functioning as an entry-level clinician for the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This position is responsible for implementing nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated. The Clinical Dietitian position functions as part of the interprofessional team to ensure quality and cost-effective interventions to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes. This position works closely with the interprofessional healthcare team to provide inpatient/outpatient care that is integrated and compatible with the patient-focused goals.

The Houston Methodist Experience Expectations:

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values
• Practices the Caring and Serving Model
• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language
• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience
• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job
• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities:

• Functions as a collaborative interprofessional team member by participating in care coordination rounds. Seeks guidance from others and collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team to collaborate on the plan of care. Communicates regular updates to management, nursing, physicians, and other staff as needed to care for patients.
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
• Completion of dietetic internship accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

License/Certification:

• RD - Registered Dietician (CDR) -- certified by Commission on Dietetic Registration, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics AND
• LD - License Dietitian, State Licensure -- by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or obtain licensure within 60 days
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Working knowledge of local City Food Ordinance guidelines and Health department standards
• Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families
• Possesses comprehensive computer knowledge including Microsoft products
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

Company Profile:

Since 1998, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been serving Fort Bend and the surrounding counties. Residents have come to rely on a level of compassionate care and leading-edge technology that was once available only in the Texas Medical Center. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital tied for No. 4 in Houston and No. 6 (three-way tie) in Texas in U.S. News & World Report's best hospital rankings in 2020. With 316 operating beds, 24 operating rooms and over 2,400 employees, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was designed to provide comprehensive, personalized care for the community.